In this article, Max Martin and I review the signings Arsenal have made over the summer transfer window. We discuss our thoughts on each player and then provide a score out of ten to how we rate each transfer.
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Willian (Free from Chelsea)
JH: The signing of Willian certainly raised a few eyebrows when it was announced back in August. Although he arrived on a fee transfer, the reported wages of £200,000 a week on a 3 year deal has left some fans scratching their heads at why we signed the Brazillian who is no stranger to the game at 32 years old. Personally, I think Willian is a very solid signing considering the lack of quality we have in the squad outside the starting eleven. He’s a proven winner having had a successful seven years at Chelsea and brings versatility to the squad as he’s capable of playing on either flank or through the middle. Not only does he add flair on the pitch but his experience can also be useful in aiding the development of our youngsters. Overall, while Willian is not a signing for the future, he unquestionably improves us at this current moment in time. 7/10
MM: The signing of Willian seemed a strange one for Arsenal at first but showed on his debut that he could provide the creativity that this Arsenal side really lacked at times last season, popping up with two assists for Aubameyang and Gabriel respectively. Willian showed from his Chelsea days that he was a danger from set pieces and when combined with Arsenal’s new set piece coach, Andreas Gorgson, and the signing of huge Gabriel Magalhães he can be a real creative threat for the gunners. Arteta and Edu both praised the importance of the experience that Willian can bring to the developing Arsenal side and he will be a key head in the dressing room this season helping out the younger players. Another of Willian’s strengths is his tactical versatility and Arteta has already mentioned how the Brazilian can play on either wing or through the middle to great effect. The issues with the signing of Willian are that he is on fairly high wages on a three year deal and at the age of 32, this could prove to be an all too familiar problem for Arsenal. However, if Arsenal get a minimum of two good years out of him then it could be a very smart signing especially considering he was a free transfer. 7/10
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Gabriel Magalhães (£24 million from LOSC Lille)
JH: Gabriel was our second signing of the summer signing for a relatively low fee in today's market from LOSC Lille. The young Brazillian has had a strong start to life in London, picking up multiple man of the match awards in the opening games of the season. I have been particularly impressed with his ability in the air and his large frame has allowed him to adjust well to the physicality of the league. Not only this, but he has looked very adept on the ball and is crucially left-footed which Arteta is keen to implement in his back line for balance. He’s a player that is considered one for the future but also good enough to currently have a starting berth which bodes well for his development. Arsenal fans will be excited to see how he fares as the season goes on but he has definitely had a bright start to life in red. 8/10
MM: Gabriel, still only 22, had a great season at Lille in the 2019/20 Ligue 1 season leading to him being one of the most sought after centre-backs in Europe with the likes of Manchester United and Napoli heavily linked with him before he signed for Arsenal. Gabriel is a left footed centre back which has shown to be a key ingredient in the back line of Arteta’s previous boss Pep Guardiola and Arteta has translated that to Arsenal, further shown by the signing of Pablo Mari in January. Gabriel had a debut to remember in the 3-0 win away at Fulham in the first game of the season winning man of the match after a dominating performance which he capped off with a goal. Gabriel has shown some real signs of promise that he is the centre-back Arsenal have been crying out for for the last 10 years. The young Brazilian’s large 6’3” frame is what really helps him as he has proven to be impossible to dribble past and he wins almost every header in the Arsenal area. If Gabriel can continue performing in the way he has been so far this season then he will greatly improve Arsenal’s backline for years to come. 8/10
(Credit Sky Sports)
Dani Ceballos (Loan until end of season from Real Madrid)
JH: Arsenal managed to fend off competition from Real Betis in securing another season long loan for Ceballos following his fruitful spell at the club last season. While he started relatively slowly, the arrival of Arteta really brought the best out of him and he formed a strong partnership with Granit Xhaka in the heart of our midfield. Ceballos was reportedly extremely keen to return to the club where his development has skyrocketed under the leadership of Arteta. Ceballos showed considerable improvement in his defensive contribution whilst also adjusting nicely to the gaffers philosophy. If Ceballos can continue to perform in the manner at which we became accustomed to last season, then this will turn out to be a very smart bit of business. My only concern is that he’s only on a loan deal with no option to buy. This could result in Real Madrid asking for an extortionately high price when they do decide to cash in on him but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. 8/10
MM: Dani Ceballos showed glimpses of real quality on loan last season but it was only under Arteta when he started to be more consistent and nailed down a starter place next to Granit Xhaka in midfield. His passing and technique helped him control the possession really well towards the latter end of last season and his importance to the side grew and grew. For a while in the summer it looked as if Ceballos may not come back but eventually he rejoined for another season long loan to provide a boost to Arteta’s midfield options. Ceballos not only shows great football talent but also immense passion for the club. The 24-year-old Spaniard will be hoping that after a season to settle into the league he will kick on this season and help boss the Arsenal midfield with Xhaka and new signing Partey. The importance of Ceballos to the side has increased as a result of the loan departures of midfielders Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi meaning Arsenal are a bit light in midfield. If Ceballos can play consistently like he did after the restart last season then his loan signing will be great business again by Arsenal. 7/10
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Runar Alex Runarsson (£1.5 million from Dijon)
JH: Following the departure of Emi Martinez to Aston villa, it was crucial that we signed a new goalkeeper to compete with Bernd Leno. The man chosen is Icelandic goalkeeper Runarsso, who arrived from Dijon for peanuts. Runarsson has worked with our current GK coach Inaki Cana, who recommended we sign him. I’m not going to lie, I don’t know a lot about him but he came across well in his interview and I’m sure he’ll be keen to seize any opportunity thrown to him. 6/10
MM: There is not much to add as very little is known about the player but he has worked under our GK coach before and for £1.5 million you can’t really go wrong. It was a smart signing as it meant the funds for signings such as Gabriel and Partey were available. It is very unlikely we will see much of the Icelandic keeper but he is important back up to have. 5/10
(Credit Sky Sports)
Thomas Partey (£45m from Atletico Madrid)
JH: Arguably our marquee signing of the summer, the highly anticipated transfer of Thomas Partey was completed on deadline day after we activated his release clause of £45m. Highly-rated from his years at Atletico, Partey is the midfield enforcer that we’ve lacked for a long time. There have been early comparisons to club legend, Patrick Vieira. If he plays even a fraction like Vieira, then we’re going to have a real player on our hands. Comfortable on the ball and strong in the tackle, Partey is expected to have a major impact on our midfield for years to come. He’s a player that we’ve been looking at for a very long time and Arteta is a huge admirer. Edu said in a recent interview that Partey was part of Arteta's plans seven months ago before the season prior had even ended. This just gives further evidence that the hierarchy were very keen on the signing and he’s expected to make considerable impact on the way we play. 10/10
MM: Thomas Partey was one of the signings of the summer and brought huge delight to Arsenal fans around the world when his £45 million release clause was met. Arsenal had been heavily linked with midfielders all summer such as Houssem Aouar and Jorginho but in the end ended up with their number one target from Athletico Madrid in dramatic fashion. Thomas Partey is renowned as one of the worlds best midfielders and he has the potential to transform this always improving Arsenal side. The Ghanian powerhouse is just entering his prime years after turning 27 in June which should hugely excite the Arsenal fans. Partey has been praised for almost every aspect of a midfielders game, from passing and shooting to tackling and interceptions, he can practically do it all. Partey brings the athleticism that a midfield of Xhaka and Ceballos lacks whilst also having the technique and skill they do have. If Partey can live up to anywhere near the expectations of Arsenal fans then he could prove to be the signing of the summer. 10/10
Overall, Arsenal had a hugely successful transfer window and have signed some real quality in positions where they desperately needed it. Mikel and Edu deserve real credit for guiding the club through a tough time to have arguably our best window in years. Bar a few more outgoings, it was almost a perfect window all things considered. The signings that have been on show so far have already impressed and with Thomas Partey still to be thrown into the mix, it is very exciting times for Arsenal. Thanks to Max for helping out with this, he can be found on twitter @JournoMax or on his own blog maxmartin311.wixsite.com/mmblog.
Well written and good presentation ,gets better and better